North Michigan News

State Senator Ed McBroom has voiced his support for new legislation that would provide Michigan corrections officers with the option to join a pension plan similar to those available to other statewide officers, such as state police troopers. McBroom emphasized the potential benefits of this initiative, stating, "This new pension option will hopefully help improve safety in our prisons by giving the state new tools to help attract and retain good corrections officers."

McBroom highlighted ongoing challenges in staffing within Michigan's prison system, noting that severe shortages have increased risks for both prisoners and officers. He believes that the proposed reform could make Michigan's benefits more competitive with other states and better support corrections officers as they approach retirement.

Earlier this term, McBroom introduced Senate Bills 156 and 157 to advance this goal. Similar bills, SBs 166 and 167, were later introduced by other legislators. These bills aim to allow certain state employees, including Department of Corrections officers, to participate in a retirement system featuring both a pension component and a 401(k)-type savings component.

McBroom expressed concern over unsafe conditions in understaffed prisons across Michigan. "As we have seen in the U.P. and across Michigan, our prisons are unsafe because they are understaffed and our officers are unappreciated and overworked," he said. He hopes these measures will address staffing retention issues by encouraging more individuals to pursue careers as corrections officers while retaining current staff.

Citing a recent report from the department indicating high turnover among recruits within their first year, McBroom stressed that improvements must extend beyond retirement benefits. He called for enhancements in starting pay, working conditions, and post-employment health care. Additionally, he urged accountability for contract violations and internal policy breaches that compromise safety.

"I am committed to continuing to advocate for our DOC employees on all these issues in the coming year," McBroom stated.